State govt delays Phase Five

Western Australia is facing a further two-week delay in the next stage of easing COVID-19 restrictions, with the premier noting an ongoing surge in Victorian cases.

Phase Five would have seen the removal of the state’s two square metre rule and 50 per cent-capacity for major venues including Optus Stadium, where football had recently returned.

Almost all COVID-19 controls will be removed under Phase Five, except for WA’s hard border with the eastern states and restrictions on entering some remote Aboriginal communities.

Premier Mark McGowan said WA needed to remain on “high alert”, despite not reporting a community case of the virus since April 11.

“As a nation, we have entered the most dangerous phase of this pandemic,” Mr McGowan said.

“We need to remain on high alert, given what is happening across the country. We all know just how quickly things can change.”

Victoria had recorded a further 11 deaths and 450 new COVID-19 cases overnight, a quarter of which were healthcare workers.

Mr McGowan said WA's chief health officer had recommended delaying Phase Five until at least August 29, but stressed this was a tentative date only.

“I know this may cause some frustration for some sections of the community and the business community, but we need to be extra cautious here," the premier said.

“WA has led the nation in our response to COVID-19. The hard work of Western Australians, coupled with our hard border with the east, has allowed us to open up our economy more than any other state.

“Many businesses are back to normal, and it’s great to see so many tourism businesses booming all over Western Australia."

WA only has three active cases of the virus after reporting no new infections overnight.

The delay comes as the federal government backed out of a new trial between WA and Clive Palmer, who is challenging the state's border restrictions.

The matter returned to the Federal Court today for a case management hearing.